Most of the victims were walking on footpaths or roads when they were suddenly attacked blitz-style, grabbed round the neck or by an arm, and forced into bushes. Three victims had a companion, but the presence of the third party did not deter him as he either chased or attacked them.

He controlled his victims by threatening them with a firearm, a bushknife, or an axe.

Some of the victims said he had more than one weapon. He threatened to physically attack them if they screamed or did not co-operate. Some reported that he choked them.